Serving 15 Counties Across the South Plains
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ANNUAL REPORT ynn • ck • L Mot bo ley ub • L Te • r b ry m • a Y L o • a g k n u i m K • y e l k c Serving 15 Counties o H • Across the South Plains B e l a a i l H e • y a • z C r o a c G h • r a d n y o • l C F r • o s s n b e y k • c i D 20 BUILDING A STRONGER SOUTH PLAINS WORKFORCE 18 1 WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS SOUTH PLAINS 2018 ANNUAL REPORT OUR MISSION The mission of the South Plains workforce system is to meet the needs of the region’s employers for a highly skilled workforce by educating and preparing workers. OUR VISION Our workforce is educated, innovative, and highly skilled in areas that match the skill requirements of our employers, enabling businesses to become highly productive and compete successfully in local and global markets. 2 A Letter to Our Communities: Workforce Solutions South Plains thanks each citizen of With our Child Care Services program receiving 70% of our 15-county area for their support of our programs! our funding, we are pleased that an average of 2,038 children, ages 0 to 12, received child care daily from one The prosperity of any community depends on of our 145 childcare providers. the strength of its workforce. With an average unemployment rate of 3.4% in the South Plains, we are The annual Hiring Red, White and You Veterans Job grateful that so many of our citizens have jobs. It is our Fair for military veterans and their spouses was held goal to help current employees, who are looking for new in November 2018 and 590 veterans received services careers, and employers, who need additional employees, through our career center last year. become as successful as possible. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our In 2018 we served 8,570 job seekers in their search for partners for their continued support including; LEDA, the employment and career transitions and we assisted 2,536 Lubbock Chamber of Commerce (as well as each rural employers in skills upgrade training. chamber of commerce), Texas Tech University, South Plains College, the 49 Independent School Districts across Workforce Solutions South Plains (WSSP) and the Lubbock the South Plains, and other agencies who help us fulfill Economic Development Alliance granted $593,287 to 14 our mission. schools districts in the South Plains to support Career and Technical Education programs. Our Chief Elected Officials and Board of Directors have contributed their guidance and counsel and we are Providing an opportunity for youth to experience career grateful for their support and encouragement. opportunities is vital today. Through our Careers in Texas Industries program, held in September 2018, more than We look forward to next year as we continue helping 1,000 8th graders attended one of four rural career fairs build stronger communities in our region! in Plainview, Muleshoe, Levelland or Crosbyton. Sincerely, During the 17th Annual South Plains Career Expo in Adrienne Cozart October 2018, 3,300+ high school students visited with Martin Aguirre 108 exhibitors to learn more about preparing for life after high school. Adrienne Cozart, (left) Board Chair, University Medical Center Human Resources, Martin Aguirre, Chief Executive Officer. AWARDS WINNING EMPLOYERS During the 17th Annual Employer of Excellence Awards Luncheon, held on July 18, 2018, WSSP recognized, honored and thanked the exceptional businesses and organizations pictured below. It is always a special day when Workforce Solutions South Plains (WSSP) gathers with constituents, service providers, businesses and organizations to recognize award recipients. However, choosing a few of these groups as award winners is not an easy task when so many provide exemplary commitment, hard work and dedication to their employees and customers. This year seven companies stood out as “over the top” providers of services in each of our award categories. During the 2018 awards luncheon Workforce Solutions South Plains presented its first$1,000.00 student scholarship to Marilena Mendez from Lorenzo, Texas. Mendez attended South Plains College in the Fall 2018 and used her scholarship towards an Associate’s Degree in Education. Employer of Excellence & Small Employer of the Year Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas Robin Raney, Goodwill Industries Chief Executive Officer, Adrienne Cozart, WSSP Board Chair, and Will Baker, Goodwill Board Member Large Employer of the Year The United Family Lubbock, Texas Chris James, The United Family Chief Operating Officer, Adrienne Cozart and Robert Taylor, The United Family Chief Executive Officer 4 Industry Sector Outreach Exemplary Child Care Provider Covenant Health Lil’ Tiger’s Playhouse, Slaton, Texas Martin Aguirre, Jennifer Tollett, Covenant Health Martin Aguirre, Estella Wagner, Lil’ Tiger’s Playhouse Manager, Food and Nutrition and Covenant Health, Owner, Rebecca Botello Linda Barrientos, Lead Sr. Recruiter Talent Acquisition and Lillie Meurer staff members Service to Business Service to Workers Guar Resources, LLC, Levelland, Texas MET, Inc. Plainview, Texas Alex Muraviyov, Guar Resources General Manager Micaela Rodriguez, MET, Inc. Client Service and Adrienne Cozart Representative, Adrienne Cozart and Rachel Salazar, MET, Inc., Regional Specialist Manager Service to Community $1000 College Scholarship Walgreens – Lubbock, Texas Marilena Mendez Martin Aguirre, and Walgreens store managers Tanya Martin Aguirre, Marilena Mendez and Easterwood and Felipe Mora Adrienne Cozart 5 TRAINING JOB SEEKERS Workforce Solutions South Plains, in addition to one-on-one counseling for those seeking jobs, held a number of job fairs throughout the year. The goal is to equip job seekers for future workforce success by providing services that help them to enter the workforce and to successfully make career transitions. This year, Workforce Solutions provided services to 10,985 job seekers of which 8,570 were employed. This year, training was provided to 127 individuals who enhanced their skills, improved their employment outlook, met the challenges of technological change and earned a higher wage, once employed. The South Plains Job Fair held in the Fall of 2018 saw more than 75 businesses and organizations eager to hire job seekers in the WSSP fifteen county area including representatives from Oil States Energy Services from Midland, Texas. 10,985 Job Seekers 8,570 Employed 127 Individuals who enhanced their skills EFFECTIVE EMPLOYER SERVICES Workforce Solutions South Plains offers an array of services to help employers save money, improve productivity and provide a competitive edge. We collaborate with industry, education, economic development and provide Labor Market Information to develop a comprehensive regional workforce strategic plan. The plan includes the development of a trainable workforce which provides educational training opportunities for adults and youth. This year, WSSP provided services to 2,436 employers to help find, retain and train a quality workforce. Additional employer services were provided that included: • Rapid Response services for 6 employers to assist 145 affected workers transition into the future • Testing proctor for 472 typing tests for job candidates for employers 32 • Hosting 32 customized job fairs and hiring events that connected customized job employers to job seekers fairs and hiring events 6 CAREERS IN TEXAS INDUSTRIES With the thought that, “It’s never too early to plan for “Coach D” of Darrell Andrews Enterprises was the a career or determine an occupation for the future” featured speaker at these events. Coach D is a Workforce Solutions South Plains hosted career premier provider of professional development and exploration events specifically targeting 8th grade strategic motivation for workforce development students in the 15-county area. organizations, school/school districts and businesses worldwide. The students’ response to his message of The goal was to promote statewide and regional planning now for their future was amazing! industry clusters through employer partnerships. WSSP hosted 4 rural career fairs during the month A total of 23 schools, 88 exhibitors/employer of September 2018 in Plainview, Muleshoe, Levelland, partners, and 1,076 students participated in the and Crosbyton. events. Health care is one of the largest Thanks to Hurst Supply for bringing industries in the South Plains and a tractor to the career fair for all students were exposed to that students to experience. industry at the career fair. Employers greeted students with firm AeroCare, the South Plains area air 8th graders from across the South handshakes, eye-to-eye contact and big ambulance, was on hand to explain Plains enjoyed a day of career smiles at the career fairs. their career to the students. exploration and investigation. The Muleshoe Fire Department brought their bright and shiny fire Coach D had a fabulous message of “be the person you want to be not the one trucks to the career fair for students to that others want you to be.” experience first hand. 7 SOUTH PLAINS CAREER EXPO The 18th Annual South Plains Career Expo was held the morning of Tuesday, October 23, 2018 and is the largest event of its kind in West Texas for students. 2018 Annual Report More than 3,300 high school juniors and seniors from 81 schools in the 15-county service area attended this event and explored potential career opportunities that match their interests and strengths at the 108 featured exhibitor booths. The event was hosted by: • Workforce Solutions South Plains (Careers in Texas Industries, Inc.) • South Plains College • Lubbock Economic Development A student watches EMT’s Alliance demonstrate how lungs • Lubbock Chamber of Commerce function with a real pig lung. • South Plains Closing the Gap P-20 Council (Texas Tech University) • Lubbock Independent School District Career and Technical Education Program. The annual Career Expo brings together industry, education, and community to prepare high school students for college and career success. Panel Discussions New this year was the addition of a Panel Discussion format for students.